Sighting in a New Vaquero

This is a discussion on Sighting in a New Vaquero within the Ruger Single Action forums, part of the Pistol & Revolver Forum category; After studying and researching the New Vaquero for several years I decided to take the plunge. I don't shoot SASS but I might hunt with ...

After studying and researching the New Vaquero for several years I decided to take the plunge. I don't shoot SASS but I might hunt with it. Mostly, I'll just be shooting it. After reading a number of posts, and realizing the cost of new .45 colt ammo would be too much, I will have to reload. Another factor in reloading I found out yesterday after visiting the range with the New Vaquero, point of aim is not necessarily point of impact. In fact, the 225 gr Remington LSWC was about 10 inches low at 25 yds. The group was 1 1/2 in but way low with the top of the front sight aligned with the top and in the middle of the rear sight. Using Kentucky windage is not an option with me if I want to hunt with the little jewel.

Here's what I'm thinking. If I use a heavier bullet such as 250-255 and tinker with the load I can make POA=POI.

What say you New Vaquero shooters? Your suggestions for bullet and load. ( I did a search and found a few suggestions.) I also have a Speer #11 and Hogdon online.

The heavier bullets will stay in the barrel longer therefore raising the POI. My favorite bullet for the New Model 45 Colts (not the bisley model) is the Keith 255 or the SAA 270. Both cast without gas checks at around 18 BHN.

Have done this to a number of fixed sight guns and with yours shooting 10 inches low at 25 yards, you'll most likely have to go this route. Doubt you can bring the POI up that much at 25 yards with a hotter load, though I would explore that option, first and not touch the file until you've found a load you want to use for hunting.

As for filing, I usually take the gun to the range, along with a file, then slowly and carefully do a file, shoot, check routine as often as needed.

Have done this to a number of fixed sight guns and with yours shooting 10 inches low at 25 yards, you'll most likely have to go this route. Doubt you can bring the POI up that much at 25 yards with a hotter load, though I would explore that option, first and not touch the file until you've found a load you want to use for hunting.

As for filing, I usually take the gun to the range, along with a file, then slowly and carefully do a file, shoot, check routine as often as needed.

You can use cold blue. Won't be permanent, of course, but for a small spot like that, it will suffice. Just touch up as needed. I've even used a dab of black epoxy paint if you're going to be getting a lot of rubbing from holster use.

3Screw41Mag has it spot on!! With my 45 LC's (to shoot SASS) I guess I got lucky. With a 255 grain bullet and the balance of the case filled with black powder, it was shooting right on the money at 25 yards. But when I tried 300 grainer's the POI went up and down to 200 grainer's POI went way down. This all of course was with black powder. Now I'm sure you can affect POI with different powders and loads, but not nearly as much as you can by changing bullet weight. Smithy.